Paper Plunge 18 - Vellum Challenge

Hello again! This is my second post today, but I didn't want to miss the deadline for this challenge! This week's challenge at The Paper Plunge is to use vellum as a design element. I've used vellum many times, but I'm always looking for new things to do with it. So, here is my card:

Paper Plunge 18

Since Valentine's Day is coming up, I thought it was a good idea to make something for that holiday. As you can see, my vellum layer has been embossed with the Ampersand embossing folder, and then I colored in the ampersand on the back of the paper with a Real Red Stampin' Write marker. It was hard to see over the background DSP, so I added a Whisper White starburst circle underneath to set it off. The words were cut from a stamp in the You Plus Me set (Occasions Catalog page 5), and then I added a strip of DSP punched with the Hearts Border Punch.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

--Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PPA237 - Sketch Challenge

Hello and welcome back! Today I've got a card for the sketch challenge at Pals Paper Arts. This is my first time entering this challenge, so wish me luck! Here's the sketch:

PPA237 sketch

And here's my card:

Once again, I've used my Color Coach for inspiration. I don't know what I'd do without it! For the panel on the lower part of the card, I used an emboss resist technique. I stamped the image with Versamark and then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. Then I sponged Pacific Point ink on the cardstock and wiped off the excess ink with a tissue. The design reminded me of water, so I thought the whale clip was the perfect accent. It is from the "vintage" Elements Cute Clips.

You may have also noticed that the Pumpkin Pie cardstock is embossed using the Decorative Dots embossing folder. That folder and several others, along with the Texture Boutique, are on sale in the Weekly Deals that run through February 2. Now would be a great time to start a collection! You can see all the sale folders up near the top of this page, and head to my online store to order.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

--Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Can You Case It? 54 - Designer's Choice Challenge

Hello and welcome back! This week's challenge at Can You Case It? is a Designer's Choice Challenge, which means pretty much anything goes! You can use any colors, stamp sets, designs - the sky is the limit! So, without further ado, here's my card:

And here's the inside:

I was inspired to try this design when I saw a video tutorial on Split Coast Stampers by Julie Davison, a Stampin' Up! demonstrator from Central Illinois. It's hard to tell from the photo, but this card is kind of 3-D.

I got my first box of product from the new Occasions Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration brochure this week, so I absolutely had to use some of it for this week's card. I used Julie's tutorial, but changed the dimensions just a bit so my card would be a bit wider. It will still fit in a standard A2 envelope.

I used some Pool Party Core'dinations cardstock from my stash for the base. Stampin' Up! doesn't sell this any more, but you could use any 12 x 12 cardstock. I cut my cardstock at 5-1/2 x 12, and scored along the 12-inch side at 4, 7-1/2, 8, and 11-1/2. Instead of a circle punch, I used one of the Window Frames Framelits to add the opening. Everything else followed Julie's tutorial. I like the extra dimension you get from the pop-up.

For the front of the card, I was very excited to try my new Butterfly Thinlits. There are several technique videos out there that show the best way to cut these butterflies out with minimal effort, but my favorite tutorial is by Patty Bennett. All you need is some wax paper and a dryer sheet, and your butterfly will pop right out. I layered my Crushed Curry butterfly with one cut from vellum paper, and then added the baker's twine bow.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

--Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Paper Plunge 17 - Technique Challenge

Hello again! This time I'm back with my entry for The Paper Plunge. This week's challenge was to create a card using a technique, so here's my card:

Paper Plunge 17 - Technique Challenge

This card was created using the emboss resist technique with watercolor. I stamped my image on watercolor paper using Versamark ink, then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then used an Aqua Painter with Lost Lagoon ink and brushed across the surface, then wiped the ink off of the embossing to reveal the sentiment. I added a couple of embellishments to the frame and attached it to the front of the card. It's a simple technique that gives a different look to your card. I hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

--Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PCCCS 127 - Sketch Challenge

Hello and welcome back! I'm here today with my entry for the challenge at the Paper Craft Crew. Here's the sketch:

PCCCS127 sketch

And here is my card:

I usually make standard sized  A2 cards, but this sketch called for a square card. I cut my card base to 5-1/2" x 11" so that it would fit into a standard sized A9 envelope and wouldn't require extra postage like a square envelope. I built up my card front, and then cut the center circle out with a framelit. I cut a piece of Naturals Ivory cardstock to 5-1/4" square, placed it inside, and drew around the circle with a pencil so I could determine the placement of the stamp. I love this stamp set! And since it is photopolymer, I could see exactly where my penciled circle was. I added the party hat and balloon for a touch of color and then glued the inside into the card.

I have several friends with January birthdays, so one of them may just get this card in the mail this month!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

--Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Can You Case It? 53 - Clean & Quick Challenge

Hello and welcome back! Today's card is for the Clean & Quick Challenge at Can You Case It?

This really is a challenge for me, since I like to use lots of layers and lots of bling, but I think I'm up for this! What do you think?

CYCI53 - birthday card

Once again, I used my Color Coach for inspiration. I love using the photopolymer stamps, because I can see exactly where I'm stamping. These two words in the Age Awareness set are separate, so you can line them up just where you want them. I used the two colors of ink, and then matched the trims to those colors. A handy tip for using the sequin trim - put a glue dot at each end, grabbing both the sequin and the string, and you won't have to worry about losing any of the sequins!

It probably took me more than 10 minutes to make this card, since I was designing at the same time, but I think you can do it in less time than that! Why don't you give it a try, and while you're at it, join our challenge this week. We'd love to see what you can do!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

--Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

PCCCS 126 - Sketch Challenge

Hello again! Today I decided to enter a new challenge for me - the challenge at Paper Craft Crew! Here is this week's sketch:

And here's my card:

PCCCS126

I used my Color Coach to come up with the combo of Hello Honey, Pool Party, and Basic Gray. I stamped the Kind Koala with Basic Gray ink, and colored his ears with a Pink Pirouette marker. I stamped extra flowers, which are colored with Pool Party and Hello Honey, and layered them onto the stamped image. I attached the star clip with a glue dot rather than clipping it onto the paper because I like the look of the little swirl in the center. 

I hope you like this!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Paper Plunge 16 - Die Cut Challenge

Hello again! I'm back with this week's card for the challenge at The Paper Plunge. We were challenged this week to create something with die cuts, so for inspiration, I headed to Pinterest. There were lots of great ideas there (as usual!) but I was most inspired by the double flip card. It looks complicated, but I found a very helpful video by France Martin that explained it perfectly! You can find it HERE.

Here is my card:

Paper Plunge 16 - closed

Paper Plunge 16 - open

If you watch the video, you will see that there are many opportunities to really bling up this card, but I tried to keep it simple. 

I finally placed my first order from the new Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration brochure and I'm looking forward to playing with my new toys by the end of the week!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Can You Case It? 52 - Color Challenge

Hello again! I'm back with this week's challenge at Can You Case It? For week 52 (can you believe it's been a year already?), we've got a color challenge for you.

This is an interesting combination, to be sure. And here's my interpretation:

CYCI52

I started with a Whisper White card base with a layer of Brushed Gold cardstock. I pulled out one of my favorite retired stamps, Hello Doily, and stamped it with Versamark on Pool Party, then heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder. I cut the panel into 3 sections, popping up the outer ones with dimensionals and gluing the center section to the Brushed Gold. I threaded some White Organza Ribbon through and tied it in a knot in the center. The "happy together" sentiment is stamped with Gold Metallic ink on Whisper White and die cut with one of the framelits from the Project Life set. Here's another photo that shows the gold metallic a little better:

I think this would be a beautiful wedding or anniversary card, don't you?

Stampin' Up! products used:
Stamp Sets: Hello, Doily (retired), A Dozen Thoughts
Paper: Whisper White, Pool Party, Brushed Gold cardstock
Ink: Versamark, Encore Gold Metallic
Accessories: Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi

Samples from the new Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration!

Hello again! As promised, I'd like to share a few cards made with products from the new Occasions Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration brochure. These cards were designed by my upline, Laura Barto, and my "uppity-upline," Glenda Travelstead. Glenda held an event a couple of weeks ago where we got to make 20 different cards using new stamp sets and papers. It was lots of fun! So without further ado, here they are!

Petal Potpourri birthday designed by Dianne Sisneros

First up is this beautiful birthday card made with two new sets, Petal Potpourri and Butterfly Basics. There is also a coordinating punch for the flowers which can be purchased separately, or in a bundle with the stamp set. And isn't that Designer Paper gorgeous? Perfect for wedding cards, don't you think?

Stampin' Up! products used for this card:

Stamp sets: Petal Potpourri, Butterfly Basics

Paper: Sahara Sand and Whisper White cardstock, Something Borrowed DSP

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: White and Early Espresso embossing powders, Tea Lace Doilies, Flower Medallion punch, 3/4" circle punch

You Plus Me Valentine

Next up is this cute, simple Valentine. This stamp set can be purchased in a bundle with a stack of designer paper that includes the designs you see here. It's a "mini" stack - 48 double-sided sheets measuring 4-1/2" by 6-1/2" - perfect for card making! Many of the prints in the stack are black & white and lend themselves beautifully to coloring with either our Stampin' Write Markers or Blendabilities.

Stampin' Up! products used for this card:

Stamp set: You Plus Me

Paper: Real Red and Whisper White cardstock, Stacked With Love DSP Stack

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Real Red

Accessories: Sweetheart Punch, White Baker's Twine

Painted Petals Thank You

This card would make a thoughtful thank you, or with a different stamp, a birthday card. The Painted Petals suite includes a stamp set (available in wood-mount, clear-mount, and photopolymer), an embossing folder, and beautiful designer paper. One of the designs could even be framed on its own - it looks like a painting!

Stampin' Up! products used for this card:

Stamp sets: Painted Petals, Papillon Potpourri

Paper: Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, and Rose Red cardstock, Painted Blooms DSP

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Rose Red

Accessories: Hello Honey stitched satin ribbon, Large Butterfly punch

Celebrate Today baby card

Isn't this the most adorable baby card? This stamp set is available in a bundle with matching framelits - no more fussy cutting! :) Other stamps in the set work for weddings, birthdays, and graduations.

Stampin' Up! products used for this card:

Stamp set: Celebrate Today

Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White, and Pink Pirouette cardstock

Ink: Soft Sky, Coastal Cabana, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Basic Gray

Accessories: Balloon Framelits, Blushing Bride Baker's Twine

Best Day Ever

The last card I'd like to share is made with products that you can get for FREE with qualifying orders! Sale-A-Bration runs until March 31, and you can choose one item from the brochure for each $50 you spend in any current catalog. This card uses three different items, but if you have a wish list like mine, that won't be a problem! Another way to get more Sale-A-Bration items is to join Stampin' Up! now. You can get $125 worth of products for only $99 and you can choose to add two SAB items or a project kit from the Occasions catalog. There are many other benefits to joining Stampin' Up! and you can read more HERE.

Stampin' Up! products used for this card:

Stamp set: Best Day Ever

Paper: Whisper White cardstock, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Best Year Ever Accessory Pack

Well, I hope this post hasn't been too long! There's just so much to love in these new catalogs! Use the links on the right to browse the catalogs for yourself and place your order. Or contact me if you'd like a hard copy.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi

Paper Plunge 15 - Sketch Challenge

Welcome back! Today's card is my entry for The Paper Plunge 15 sketch challenge. Here's the sketch:

Paper Plunge 15 sketch

Since yesterday was the final day for the 2014 Holiday Catalog, I spent a bit of time culling the retired products from my current collection. Since I usually tend to use current products for challenges, I thought it might be fun to pull out some retired stuff for this card. So here it is:

Paper Plunge 15 Valentine

Stampin' Up! products used:

Stamp set: You Are Loved (retired)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Coastal Cabana, Real Red, and Whisper White cardstock, Fresh Prints DSP Stack (retired)

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones, Silver Dazzling Details, Real Red Stitched Satin Ribbon (retired)

Tools: Hearts Framelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack, Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

Today is the first day of the new 2015 Occasions Catalog, and also the first day of Sale-A-Bration! For every $50 you spend in the Annual Catalog and/or the Occasions Catalog, you can choose one free item from the Sale-A-Bration brochure. And there are some awesome products! You can check them out at the links on the right. Tomorrow I'll post some cards we made at my upline meeting last month.

Thanks again for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi 

Can You Case It #51 - Sketch Challenge

Hello! As you may know, I am on the design team for a wonderful challenge blog called Can You Case It? This week's challenge is a sketch.

And here is my card.

CYCI51

Stampin' Up! products used:
Stamp set: Starburst Sentiments
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist and Very Vanilla cardstock, Parker's Patterns DSP (retired)
Ink: Marina Mist
Accessories: Starburst Framelits, Argyle TIEF, 3/8" circle punch (retired), Cherry Cobbler brads from the Regals brads collection (retired)

Create your own card using this sketch and enter our challenge this week. I look forward to seeing what you can come up with!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2015!

I don't have a card for you today, but I was experimenting with the What's Your Type stamp set. There is a "cheat sheet" in the catalog that shows how to make different letters, but I thought it might be fun to try to create numbers. The ones I came up with are too big for a card, but I thought I'd share the sentiment with you all for the new year. What do you think?

Hello, 2015!

Stampin' Up! products used:

Stamp sets: What's Your Type, Four You

Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo

The number "5" is a little wonky, but you can still tell what it is. I was thinking I'd put it on a card, but it's way too big, at least for a standard sized card. It would be perfect for a title on a scrapbook page though.

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but my goal this year is to try to send cards for birthdays and other occasions, rather than just posting my good wishes on Facebook. So if I have your postal address (and your birthday!), watch for something in the mail from me this year. And if you don't get it, feel free to call me out!

Watch for my next challenge card for the Can You Case It? design team on Sunday. Happy New Year! I wish for health and happiness for all of us in 2015!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Cindi